A great thing is happening among African Americans in San Antonio. We have a community fund to address issues and improve life among the city’s African American population. Even better, we can take ownership of that fund and get involved in making good things happen.

The San Antonio Area African American Community Fund (SAAAACF) of the San Antonio Area Foundation was created to provide a way for blacks to address problems in our community through charitable giving. The fund is a permanent endowment that will be used to improve the lives of African Americans in low-income and underserved areas of our city.

On Saturday, Aug. 25, SAAAACF will present the fourth annual Renaissance with the Stars 2012 ballroom dance competition gala at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Proceeds from the gala help grow the endowment for future needs and fund programs that are making a difference in our community today.

Everyone in the city has an opportunity to support the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund by supporting the Renaissance with the Stars gala, an unforgettable, black tie-optional event inspired by the music and vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance. This year’s dancers include the pairing of professional dancers with amateur competitors Judge Christine Lacy, Brandon Logan, Shokare Nakpodia and Pinkie Williams as well as the husband and wife team of County Commissioner Tommy and Karen Adkisson.

During the event, the SAAAACF Steering Committee will announce our first round of grants to nonprofit organizations with programs that address the needs of African Americans in at least one of our five areas of emphasis:

Arts/culture

Community development

Education

Health

Social/human services

These grants will focus on reducing poverty, improving education, supporting small businesses, and tackling health challenges that disproportionately affect blacks, such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes and prostate cancer, particularly on the Eastside of San Antonio where 50 percent of African Americans in our city live.

We are grateful for the support of the businesses and individuals who are investing in the future of our African American community by sponsoring Renaissance with the Stars. It is particularly meaningful that our title sponsorship for this event comes from the local African American-owned construction-management business of Paul Foster, who also serves as gala chairman for 2012.

Renaissance with the Stars is a fun, entertaining and inspirational event. More than that, however, this gala offers everyone in our community a way to get involved, support our mission, and invest in the untapped potential of our African American neighbors to make San Antonio a better community for everyone.

Note: This is an mySA.com City Brights Blog. These blogs are not written or edited by mySA or the San Antonio Express-News. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

AboutSan Antonio Area Foundation

The San Antonio Area Foundation, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014, makes grants from funds established by individuals, families, businesses or other entities to support charitable causes. The Area Foundation manages more than $250 million in assets and has distributed more than $230 million for scholarships and grants to educate youth, preserve the environment, protect animals, fund research and provide services that enhance the quality of life in our region.